Membership Benefits

The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) is the national professional association representing Canadian rheumatologists, on a mission to promote the pursuit of excellence in arthritis and rheumatic disease care, education and research. 

Since its inception, the CRA has supported and advanced the field of rheumatology by organizing networking, training and educational opportunities for clinicians, students, allied health professionals and researchers. The CRA is involved in the promotion and coordination of funding for important rheumatology research through the CRA Foundation’s Canadian Initiative for Outcomes in Rheumatology cAre (CIORA). 

GAIN A PROFESSIONAL EDGE 

The CRA offers outstanding value to its members by providing knowledge sharing, education, advocacy and research support. 

  • Educational programs, access to webinars, and networking events such as the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), LEAP & Canada Night. 
  • CRA Awards of Distinction in the field of rheumatology. 
  • Complimentary subscriptions to The Journal of Rheumatology (JRheum) and The Journal of the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRAJ). 
  • Email subscription to updates and breaking news from the rheumatology community. 
  • CRA website and member-only portal that includes an extensive library of up-to-the-minute guidelines, position statements and resources. 
  • Opportunities to volunteer with colleagues on CRA committees and become involved in special projects such as podcasts, guidelines, position statements, research, and more. 
  • SAVINGS on the Annual Scientific Meeting registration fee for Regular and Trainee members. 
    • FREE Annual Scientific Meeting Registration for Emeritus members. 
    • 50% Annual Scientific Meeting Registration discount for Regular members in their first 5 years of practice. 

 

ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED RESOURCES 

Drug Updates
The CRA updates members with drug shortage notifications. Members are encouraged to forward drug shortage information to info@rheum.ca. 

Educational Tools
A resource repository, featuring a variety of learning resources, including webinars, training modules, videos, and quizzes, are available to members, learners, and educators. 

Guidelines and Position Statements
The CRA produces evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on various rheumatic conditions, suitable to the Canadian practice landscape. Position statements are also produced in response to emerging and urgent issues that affect patients, drug supply and other national issues of concern. CRA Members (through committee engagement) contribute to and participate in guidelines and position statements development. 

 

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS & MEMBER RECOGNITION 

CRA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)
The ASM provides unparalleled education and networking opportunities for the rheumatology community at this annual conference and flagship event.
Target Audience: CRA members, rheumatology residents, summer students, post docs, medical students, non-members and industry 

CRA Awards
The CRA presents several awards to recognize excellence in the field of rheumatology.
Target Audience: CRA members and medical students 

CRA RheumReview
This full-day virtual program is designed to provide evidence-based, clinical updates on important conditions seen by rheumatologists.
Target Audience: Practicing clinical rheumatologists and PGY4/PGY5 rheumatology residents 

Canada Night
In tandem with the American College of Rheumatology’s Annual Meeting, the CRA hosts a Canada Night function with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live entertainment for members.
Target Audience: CRA members (particularly ACR attendees) and sponsors 

Resident Programs

The CRA designs specific programs dedicated towards resident training to enhance learning and exam preparation and provides collegial forums for residents to connect with their peers and program directors from across the country. Multiple touchpoints are offered throughout each year and include the following: 

Residents’ Pre-Course
This program features a broad range of relevant topics to expand participants’ knowledge of rheumatic diseases.
Target Audience: PGY4/PGY5 rheumatology residents and medical students (including CRA summer students), internal medicine and pediatric residents interested in rheumatology 

National Written Rheumatology In-Training Examination (NWRITE)
The CRA, in collaboration with adult training programs across the country, delivers this formative examination to rheumatology residents to provide feedback prior their written Royal College exam. Target Audience: PGY4/PGY5 adult rheumatology residents 

National Virtual OSCE
This virtual exam is designed to assess clinical competence and assist residents in their applied exam preparation.
Target Audience: PGY4/PGY5 adult and pediatric rheumatology residents 

 

CAREER ENHANCEMENT 

Accreditation Services
The CRA is a Royal College accredited CPD provider and reviews a limited number of activities developed by physician organizations for credits under Section 1 (group learning) or Section 3 (self-assessment programs or simulation-based assessment activities) of the Royal College’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.
Target Audience: CRA members involved in developing physician-led programs 

Canadian Initiative for Outcomes in Rheumatology cAre (CIORA)
CIORA is unique research granting division of the Canadian Rheumatology Association Foundation (CRAF) committed to being a catalyst for improving the care of Canadians living with all rheumatic diseases.
Target Audience: All researchers 

LEAdership Program (LEAP)
This mentorship program seeks to identify and promote leadership of rheumatologists at an early career stage who are likely to become leaders in research, education and/or advocacy.
Target Audience: Rheumatologists early in their career (within 5 years post-fellowship in rheumatology or pediatric rheumatology)

CRAF Summer Studentship
A program for medical students to gain experience and interest in rheumatology. Students can apply for a clinical and research studentship.
Target Audience: Medical students 

CRA Foundation Education Bursary Program
The CRAF provides bursaries for rheumatology trainees in Canada to take part in the Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting and the Residents’ Pre-course. Trainees are provided an opportunity to hone their skills, further their careers, and develop skills and knowledge to better serve future patients.
Target Audience: Qualifying PGY4/PGY5 residents 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH 

  • Hone your mentorship skills through the Summer Studentship program. 
  • Give back by volunteering as a committee member, adjudicator or reviewer (CIORA, Abstracts). Members can also obtain Section II Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits for participating as a reviewer. 
  • Strengthen your leadership abilities on the Board of Directors or as a Program/Committee Chair.

 

PODCAST

Around the Rheum is the official podcast of the CRA featuring stories, in-depth features, clinical advice, interviews and more. Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Music and Spotify.